Ecofeminist perspective on survival of tribals in the select works of mahasweta devi

Abstract

The present thesis is a study of select works of Mahasweta Devi in English translation from an ecofeminist perspective. The novels selected for the study are The Armenian Champa Tree (1993), Chotti Munda and his Arrow (2002), The Book of the Hunter (2001). Apart from the novels, the short story collections chosen for the study include Bitter Soil (1998), Imaginary Maps (1993), Old Women (1999), as they resonate with ecofeminist concepts. This thesis attempts a study on Devi s depiction of the degradation of nature and oppression of women. It analyses Devi s exposure of the lopsided development policies, hasty decision by the policymakers, and the repressive social system, which cashes on the gullibility of the weak and the poor. It analyzes various forms of development that do not care for environmental deterioration and their repercussions on the underprivileged, tribal women and children. newline